Bihar proposes ₹2,000 monthly stipend for SC, ST welfare hostel students

The Bihar government has moved to raise financial support for students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes staying in welfare hostels, with a proposal to double their monthly scholarship.

According to officials, the Department of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare has drafted a plan to increase the stipend from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month. The proposal will be placed before the State Council of Ministers and will be implemented after Cabinet approval.

The revision is intended to ease the financial burden on students living away from home and relying on hostel facilities for their education. Authorities said the step is part of a broader push to strengthen support for students from economically weaker backgrounds.

In recent years, the state has enhanced scholarship schemes for students in government schools. The current proposal shifts attention to those residing in Dr Ambedkar Welfare Hostels, where many depend on stipends to cover basic and academic expenses.

If approved, the increase is expected to benefit nearly 10,000 students across 139 such hostels in Bihar. These facilities provide accommodation along with access to digital classrooms, libraries, and financial assistance.

Students are also supplied with 15 kilograms of food grains every month, including 9 kg of rice and 6 kg of wheat, as part of the support framework.

Officials said the proposed hike could improve students’ ability to manage daily costs and remain focused on their studies. The plan is currently awaiting Cabinet clearance for final approval.